VIDEO: Nissan Almera’s new Android head unit

It looks like every carmaker is into offering Android-powered head units these days. Malaysian Nissan distributor Tan Chong is the latest to join the pack with this 6.5” touch screen Android head unit offered as part of the Nissan Almera’s ’Navi with Internet Package’.

The package costs RM7,000, but doesn’t quite just consist of the head unit – it also includes leather seats and door cards plus Solar Gard Armorcoat tinting. The leather on its own costs RM1,800 while the tint is priced at RM1,400, so I suppose the head unit set is valued at RM3,800. The head unit also includes a reverse camera and GPS navigation.

When you start it up you’re greeted by a six icon screen. From here, you can pick the iGO GPS navigation software, Phone for hands-free calls, as well as Radio, Music and Photo & Video which are self-explanatory. There’s also something called Infogo App Garage, which is familiar – Infogo is the brand of a music store by Prodigium Mobile pre-installed on the Clarion AX1 Android head unit.

The 2-DIN head unit’s faceplate has no branding on it but we started to suspect it’s actually a Clarion AX1. This was confirmed when we opened the iGO app to check out the GPS navigation feature – the start-up screen clearly said Clarion AX1.

There’s no Google Play Store support by default on the AX1. So it won’t be easy to get Waze onto this, although users of the Clarion AX1 have previously reported that it is certainly possible. The head unit is loaded with an app to stream radio channels from around the world, as well as an app that can access DLNA servers to play media. If you run a DLNA server on your phone, the head unit will be able to play music, photos and videos from there.

The Infogo App Garage provides a way for you to install new apps, but only two apps are of interest so far – the Infogo Music Player for you to buy, download and play songs from Infogo’s music library, and a HyppTV app for you to watch TM’s HyppTV channels on the go.

We confirmed that the head unit isn’t disabled when you release the hand brake and shift the gear into the D position, so all of these can run on the go, which will be useful for the front passenger.

The head unit can connect to a WiFi hotspot or use Bluetooth tethering for internet access. You can either run it off your phone’s internet connection or buy a device like Celcom’s 4G LTE PortaWiFi for a somewhat permanent internet connection in the car for the head unit.

Another feature that the head unit has over the normal non-Android head unit in the TCAT DVD Navi package (RM1,000 cheaper) is VAPS, which from what we understand is powered by Arkamys. You can tweak the sound stage using the VAPS menu and there’s even a Child Sleep option to reduce the volume at the seat where a child is asleep while keeping the volume higher for the other occupants.

Finally, the head unit runs Android version 2.3.7 in case you’re interested to know. We played around with the head unit a bit – watch the video below to see how the user interface and how it responds.

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.

I can always stick my phone on dashboard for mobile connectivity, GPS and Apps, I can always do an after market upgrade for my in-car entertainment..
But i can’t add in additional airbags and ESP after market.. Why Tan Chong like any other distributors are giving something that we don’t really need?

Trying to see hypptv or any other live video feed while driving is just a hopeless gimmick. Our 3G line speed & coverage is so poor that its impossible to constantly get continuous data for the video. If you happen to park in a spot with uncongested & full line coverage, then its fine. But there is no way we can experience non-interruption when driving in Malaysia.

Pay so much but only get a stupid Android 2.3.7 head unit with no Play store? what a joke. I can get cheaper head unit with the same functionlaity at less htan Rm3.8k. Heck, even a flagship samsung costs less!!

Pretty interesting feature in that fat Almera,never been a fan of it but its pretty interesting for small and big family. The best thing is it can download HyppTV! :D But it would be a problem if people use it wrongly.

TC shd be coming out wt better head units years ago. When I got my nissan back in 2008 it was installed with one that plays only CDs and radio while MP3s and USB connectivity were already commonplace then. Can TC do something more constructive by listening to feedbacks? Where are the 6 airbags in the serena? Stocking new head units can also become news, TC shd be looking back and check what went wrong. Behind times perhaps?

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